Jihyun followed Taewon down the hallway, his pulse still unsteady from the glimpse of Taewon's damp skin and the subtle rush of pheromones that had left him lightheaded.
"You go get ready," Taewon said, glancing back before heading into the basement.
Jihyun shut his bedroom door behind him. "Looking for a pen. Right."
As if that explained anything.
He changed into a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, then picked up his phone and messaged only one person.
(Soobin)
Jihyun: I checked his cabinet and cupboard. Nothing. But one drawer's locked.
Soobin: WAIT WHAT?! A LOCKED DRAWER?? YOU TRIED TO OPEN IT??
Jihyun: I did. It wouldn't budge. Whatever it is, he's hiding it.
Soobin: We need a plan. This weekend.
Jihyun: Let's talk then. I don't even know what I'm doing anymore.
He tossed the phone on the bed and let out a breath, dragging a hand through his hair.
Just as he stepped out, Taewon emerged too.
"Let's go," he said simply.
Jihyun nodded.
The car ride was filled with silence. Jihyun stared out the window, watching buildings flash by. Taewon kept his eyes on the road.
They reached the Kang family residence. The gates opened slowly, like a scene from an old chaebol drama.
Mrs. Kang greeted Jihyun first, pulling him into a surprisingly warm hug.
"You've lost weight. Are you eating properly?" she asked, concerned.
"I'm eating fine," Jihyun replied politely.
"You're punctual. That's good, Jihyun-ah."
Yumi came skipping toward them, throwing her arms around her brother.
"Taewon oppa!" Then she turned to Jihyun with a bright grin. "Jihyun oppa, you look so handsome!"
"Thank you. You look beautiful too, Yumi."
But the warmth in the air vanished when Harin appeared.
She walked toward them, tall and poised in a crimson bodycon dress. Her gaze skipped past Jihyun and landed on Taewon.
"Taewon," she said, smiling with a sharp edge. "Long time."
"Harin," Taewon answered politely, his tone cool. "You're late, taewon-ah."
Finally, she looked at Jihyun.
"So, you're the spouse?" Her voice was sweet, but something about it stung. "I'm Kang Harin. Taewon's cousin. You've heard of me, I assume?"
Jihyun offered a tight smile. "No, I haven't. But it's nice to meet you."
They walked into the dining room. Harin took the seat next to Taewon without hesitation. Jihyun sat across from them.
As the food came out, the table buzzed with conversation. But Jihyun couldn't focus. Harin spoke to Taewon with an easy closeness, like Jihyun didn't exist.
"You still like radish kimchi, right?" she said, placing some on Taewon's plate with her chopsticks.
Jihyun's eyes narrowed.
Then she added, "And the beef stew. You always asked Aunt for this when we were kids."
Jihyun's grip on the spoon tightened. Watching her act like Taewon belonged to her made his skin crawl.
Across the table, Taewon glanced at him. He had picked up on it the discomfort spilling from Jihyun's pheromones.
Quietly, Taewon sliced a piece of steak and placed it on Jihyun's plate.
"Try this. It's cooked well."
Jihyun looked at the steak, then back at Taewon.
Harin noticed. Her smile faltered. She rolled her eyes and muttered something as she chewed a piece of radish.
Mrs. Kang's gaze moved between them.
"I didn't know you cooked, Auntie," Jihyun said.
"There's a lot you don't know about me," Mrs. Kang replied with a small smile. "Visit more. I'll teach you."
Jihyun nodded.
As dinner wrapped up, Harin leaned back with a smug grin.
"So how's married life going for you two?"
Jihyun opened his mouth, but Taewon beat him to it.
"It's new. But we're learning," he said.
Harin nodded slowly.
As everyone stood, Mr. Kang said,
"Taewon, come by this weekend. We need to talk."
Taewon nodded. "Yes, Dad."
Harin hugged him tightly.
"You're leaving already? Let's have dinner sometime. Just the two of us," she added, shooting a look at Jihyun.
Jihyun turned to Mrs. Kang and Yumi.
"Thank you for the meal. I'll visit again soon," he said politely.
On the drive back, Jihyun kept his gaze outside, pretending not to care. But Harin's face kept flashing through his mind her voice, her eyes, her hands feeding Taewon.
When they reached home, he stepped out quickly, heart still restless.
"You knew I was uncomfortable," he said, eyes still averted.
Taewon locked the car and walked beside him.
"I could smell it."
Jihyun stopped. "So that steak was it just to shut me up?"
"To make you feel better."
"Oh. Really?"
"You don't have to say anything," Taewon added quietly. "Just don't bottle it all up."
Jihyun gave a silent nod and walked ahead.